Discover Thun | A Visitor's Introduction to Thun

Why is Thun Worth a Visit?

Thun is worth visiting for its unique riverside setting, mediaeval architecture, and proximity to both the mountains and the lake. It offers all the charm of a lakeside resort, combined with the energy of a small city that’s very much alive with local culture. The historic old town, perched above the Aare River, is packed with boutique shops, cafés, and characterful alleys, while Thun Castle stands as a proud symbol of the town’s long and fascinating past.

Thun also serves as a transport hub for the Bernese Oberland, with easy access to Interlaken, Grindelwald, Bern, and even Zweisimmen via scenic train routes. Yet it’s also very much a destination in its own right, offering everything from lake cruises and river surfing to open-air concerts, art galleries, and delicious regional cuisine.

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a relaxed Swiss experience without the tourist crowds, Thun offers a bit of everything—at a gentler pace.

Thun Highlights: Things to See and Do in Thun

Thun Castle (Schloss Thun)

Built in the 12th century, Thun Castle dominates the town from its hilltop perch and offers sweeping views over the old town, lake, and surrounding Alps. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating museum showcasing mediaeval artefacts, historical exhibits, and the magnificent Knights’ Hall—one of the best-preserved Romanesque halls in Switzerland.

The climb up through the cobbled old town is worth the effort, and the views from the castle towers are simply spectacular. Great for both kids and adults, the castle is a must-see for any first-time visitor.

Old Town and Upper Street (Obere Hauptgasse)

Thun’s old town is especially notable for its unique split-level street: the Obere Hauptgasse, where arcaded shops line an elevated pavement, with stairs leading down to the lower street level. This mediaeval quirk gives the area a distinctive character, and the street is now home to boutique shops, bookshops, and cafés.

Don’t miss the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz), one of the prettiest in Switzerland, where you can admire frescoed façades, the historic town hall, and often catch a local market or small concert.

Lake Thun and Boat Cruises

The deep blue waters of Lake Thun are a constant presence in the town, offering stunning views and plenty of leisure opportunities. You can walk or cycle along the lakefront promenade, rent a pedalo or kayak, or take a scenic boat cruise to Interlaken, Spiez, or even to the beautiful Oberhofen Castle.

Cruises are especially lovely in spring and summer, and you can choose from vintage paddle steamers or modern boats—many with on-board restaurants.

Schadau Park and Schadau Castle

Located on the lakefront just outside the old town, Schadau Park is one of Thun’s loveliest green spaces. The park is perfect for a lakeside picnic, walk, or swim, and its centrepiece is the fairytale Schadau Castle, a neo-Gothic palace built in the 19th century.

The castle now houses a restaurant and the Swiss Gastronomy Museum, and the views from the terrace are unbeatable—especially at sunset with the Alps glowing in the distance.

The Aare River and Covered Bridges

The Aare River flows directly through Thun’s centre, creating a unique setting of islands, locks, and bridges. Two of Thun’s best-known features are its covered wooden bridges—the Scherzligschleuse and Mühleschleuse—where the river’s flow is regulated by historic weirs.

These spots are popular with urban surfers, who brave the strong current to ride standing river waves—an unusual and exciting sight right in the middle of town!

Kunstmuseum Thun (Art Museum)

Art lovers should visit the Kunstmuseum Thun, located in the beautiful Thunerhof, a 19th-century hotel turned cultural centre by the river. The museum features contemporary Swiss art, rotating exhibitions, and a peaceful location perfect for a post-gallery riverside stroll.

Nearby, the Wocher Panorama, the oldest surviving circular painting in the world, depicts a 360-degree view of Thun from the early 1800s.

Panoramic Hikes and Cable Cars

While Thun itself is at a relatively low altitude, the surrounding region offers excellent hiking opportunities. Take a short trip to Heiligenschwendi or Aeschi for accessible panoramic walks with views over Lake Thun and the Alps. For higher adventures, nearby Niesen (the “Swiss Pyramid”) and Stockhorn mountains offer cable cars, viewing platforms, and hiking routes.

These are great options if you want a mountain experience without travelling all the way to Interlaken or Grindelwald.

Markets and Local Life

Thun has a lively weekly market (every Wednesday and Saturday) in the old town, where locals shop for fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, and crafts. In December, the town hosts a magical Christmas market that spreads along the river and into the old town, with mulled wine, handmade gifts, and festive lights.

The town also has a great selection of independent shops, especially for homewares, fashion, and local artisan goods.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Thun is extremely well connected:

• By train: 30 minutes from Bern, 1 hour from Lucerne, 1.5 hours from Zurich.

• By car: Just off the A6 motorway, with scenic routes to Lake Thun and Simmental.

• By boat: Regular cruises link Thun with Interlaken and lakeside villages.

The train station is just a short walk from the old town and lakefront.

Parking

There are several public car parks around the town centre:

• City Nord (Grabengut) and City Süd (Schlossberg) are close to the old town.

• Schadaupark has lakeside parking for those visiting the park or castle.

Most hotels also offer parking, though charges may apply.

Accommodation

Thun has a good mix of accommodation options:

• Hotel Freienhof – Centrally located on the Aare River, with modern comforts.

• Hotel Schützen Steffisburg – Stylish boutique hotel a short drive or bus ride from town.

• Boutique Hotel Schlossberg – Unique rooms set in a former prison at the foot of the castle!

• Camping Thunersee – Lakeside camping just outside town, popular in summer.

Nearby villages like Hilterfingen and Gwatt also offer lakeside guesthouses and B&Bs.

Dining

Thun offers plenty of dining options, from casual lakeside cafés to gourmet restaurants:

• Ristorante Beau Rivage – Elegant Italian dining with lake views.

• Mani's Coffee & Bagels – A favourite for breakfast or lunch in the old town.

• Restaurant Dampfschiff – Classic Swiss and fish dishes right on the river.

• Eurasia – A popular spot for Thai and Asian fusion near the station.

Be sure to try local cheeses, Thunerli fish, and Bernese-style rösti.

Shopping

Thun’s old town is great for leisurely shopping:

• Independent fashion and design boutiques

• Swiss watch and jewellery stores

• Local food shops with cheese, chocolate, and honey

• Bookshops and artisan crafts, often with a local twist

For larger shopping trips, the Bälliz pedestrian zone offers a mix of high street stores and department shops.

When to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blossoming parks, and fewer tourists.

• Summer (July–August): Best for swimming, lake cruises, and open-air events.

• Autumn (September–October): Crisp air, golden trees, and quieter streets.

• Winter (November–February): Christmas markets, snow-capped peaks, and nearby skiing.

Thun is a year-round destination, with seasonal activities to enjoy in every month.

Local Events

• Thunfest (August): A lively weekend of music, food stalls, and entertainment throughout the town.

• Thunerseespiele (July–August): Open-air musical theatre on a floating stage on Lake Thun, set against an epic alpine backdrop.

• Christmas Market (late November–December): One of the most atmospheric in the Bernese Oberland.

• Weekly Markets (Weds & Sat): Local produce, flowers, and crafts in the old town.

Exploring Beyond Thun

Thun is ideally placed for exploring the region:

• Spiez (15 minutes): A gorgeous lakeside town with a hilltop castle and vineyards.

• Interlaken (30 minutes): Adventure sports, lake cruises, and access to the Jungfrau.

• Stockhorn (30 minutes): Cable car and hiking from Erlenbach with panoramic views.

• Bern (30 minutes): Switzerland’s capital with a UNESCO-listed old town.

• Oberhofen Castle (10 minutes): A romantic castle with beautiful gardens on the lake.

Thun is the perfect blend of lake, mountains, history, and culture. It's a place where you can enjoy a relaxed coffee by the river, hike a mountain trail in the afternoon, and dine by candlelight with a view of the Alps. With fewer crowds than neighbouring tourist spots, and a refined charm all its own, Thun offers a more authentic, yet no less magical, experience of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. Whether you're just passing through or staying a few days, you'll likely find yourself wishing you'd planned longer.